“Like branches on a tree we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other.” ― Anonymous
Last year at this time I was one of the “puppy mamas” to a litter of 12 adorable Golden puppies that came to our rescue with their mom, Molly, and Dad, Harley.
They were only three weeks old when they arrived; I wrote about it here.
We named them the Giants litter – for the favorite baseball team of their transport angel – and, as it turns out, prophetically about their gigantic size!
I watched them make their first exit from the whelping box, cleaned their poopy messes, taught them to play in the kiddie pool,
and joined my fellow volunteers in helping them on the right path through those critical socialization weeks.
And then, you have to say ‘goodbye’ – and they scatter like the wind.
A couple of them return regularly for “school” (if you ask me, it’s more for play). And many stay connected with their own Facebook group.
They had a small get-together at about five months which I was lucky to capture.
But last weekend, a full-blown party was planned to celebrate their one-year birthdays!
Molly and Harley put in special appearances with six of their pups. Molly…
Harley…
And pups.
Not bad considering three of the pups went back to our partner in the rescue, Forever Friends Golden Retriever Rescue in Ventura.
There were hugs,
a little too familiar greetings,
and the usual shenanigans between siblings.
Some things never change!
They have different names now – so keeping track of them is very much a game of “who’s on first.” But when I yelled, “Puppy, puppy, puppy!” something kicked in and they all came running.
They have their mom and dad’s height, curls, and wonderful dispositions. They all got along beautifully. A testament to the benefits of proper socialization through early puppyhood – and the patience and skill of their adopting families.
I am hoping that they can stay connected. The bond between them is something special.
Until we meet again, my puppy friends! May each year be better than the last.
Gardens For Goldens 